Monthly Archives: June 2011

A confession (with apologies to Catullus)

Posted on June 30, 2011 by

I have recently heard so many assertions (here in Europe) from dancers who claim never to feel anything even remotely verging on the erotic when they are dancing tango. So, I’d like to say something about this, for the record. … Continue reading →

Posted in Tango and Sexuality, The embrace | 7 Comments

Dancers on two continents

Posted on June 29, 2011 by

Having recently returned from my first European tango marathon, I’ve been musing on some of the differences from Buenos Aires which struck me: in atmosphere, personal interactions and dancing style. The marathon dancers had come to Dublin from a variety … Continue reading →

Posted in European versus Argentine tango customs, Multiple tandas with the same leader, Tango and Sexuality, Tango marathons, Tango Styles, The Dublin Tango Marathon | 16 Comments

Goblins, pixies and leprechauns: at the Dublin tango marathon

Posted on June 27, 2011 by

I have just returned from my first tango marathon, bursting with impressions, comments and thoughts — some of them provoked by brunchtime conversations over scrambled eggs and bacon in a light-filled refectory. You can find my more general thoughts about … Continue reading →

Posted in European versus Argentine tango customs, Orchestras, Tango lyrics, Tango marathons, The Dublin Tango Marathon, Troilo | 2 Comments

Compliments

Posted on June 19, 2011 by

My new tango acquaintance Sparky is not one of the best dancers in London. I mean that quite literally, not as a euphemism. He is in the process of learning to dance salón, a challenging style which usually takes years to … Continue reading →

Posted in European versus Argentine tango customs, London tango, Tango and Sexuality | 16 Comments

Friday, 4am, London

Posted on June 18, 2011 by

A cold, grey dawn is breaking outside the windows. The last few survivors of the long night of tango are scattered around the edges of a large, empty dance floor or huddled near a vat of boiling coffee to stimulate their caffeine receptors … Continue reading →

Posted in London tango, Musicality, Negracha | 2 Comments

Bohemian Beginners

Posted on June 16, 2011 by

I’m walking quickly along a quiet back street in the wilds of N19, my ears tingling from an unseasonably cold breeze, raindrops pattering on my umbrella and a full moon hanging pendulously in the sky over Dalston Junction. I spot … Continue reading →

Posted in Beginners, London tango, Milonga Bohemienne, Musicality, Rejections | 18 Comments

Embrace me, my sweet embraceable you

Posted on June 13, 2011 by

I’m currently away from Buenos Aires, visiting the much smaller and less well established London tango scene. In this context, I’ve been thinking a lot about the basics of tango: what really enables us to connect with each other and … Continue reading →

Posted in Tango Salón, The embrace, Villa Urquiza Style | 4 Comments

Self-medicating

Posted on June 10, 2011 by

It’s a joke that I constantly hear from fellow dancers. “I discovered tango and now I’m hooked.” “It’s an obsession.” “Watch out, it’ll suck you in.” “It’s a sickness.” Once, someone simply said “I’ve come here [to Buenos Aires] for this,” miming a heroine … Continue reading →

Posted in Frustrations, The embrace | 5 Comments

Competing with Hot Women

Posted on June 3, 2011 by

Back home in Buenos Aires, I was at El Beso one night, admiring the miracle of nature which is the cellulite-free thighs of a lovely young woman in a bandaged-on mini-dress. She was sparkly eyed with happiness as she danced with … Continue reading →

Posted in Dressing for tango, Tango and Sexuality | 9 Comments